Hyaluronic Acid Reduces Arthritis Pain

Hyaluronic Acid may aid in reducing arthritis pain.

Supplements effective in mild cases.

Many people with severe knee arthritis have been treated with injections of hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural substance that cushions joints. Researchers in Florida recently looked at whether HA in supplement form can also relieve pain in patients with mild knee arthritis. They gave 20 arthritis patients, ages 40 and up, either an HA supplement or a placebo for eight weeks. By the end of the study, both groups reported improvements in pain and joint function, but the improvements were greater in the HA group. Lead researcher Douglas S. Kalman, Ph.D., R.D., suggests taking an HA product in addition to standard therapy, such as physical therapy or using NSAIDs.